ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds

BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD at private clinics and prescribed strong drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted following tip-offs, and dozens of patients and whistleblowers were spoken to.

Many people are required to pay for private assessments due to the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?

Why do I need an individual diagnosis?

If you or someone you love has ADHD, you should find a doctor who will accurately diagnose the condition and prescribe best treatment. While a lot of people choose to go with the NHS however, a private diagnosis can often be more efficient and can save you both time and money in the long run.

There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to deal with the demands of current services for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be very difficult for those affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services are not as effective as they could be.

In the face of these issues it's not a surprise that more people are opting to seek a private assessment. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover program reported that some clinics had rushed through assessments over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they weren't.

A private assessment will usually start with a series of screening questionnaires you will be asked to complete and return to the doctor. The screenings are standardised and designed to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. The results of these tests help the doctor decide if you should attend an appointment for diagnosis.

The clinician will then evaluate your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. They will also conduct physical and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD according to your specific situation and given a treatment program.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your clinician will submit documentation to your GP to request a shared-care agreement. This allows you to continue receiving NHS medications while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also visit your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, if required.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

In the case of ADHD, a clear diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference. However, the NHS method of diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and painful. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private specialists to assess their situation. This could save time and frustration, but it's important to recognize that this isn't necessarily a guarantee of a precise diagnosis.

A specialist with experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to offer a more thorough diagnosis than an NHS psychiatrist. This may include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. The assessment may also include questionnaires and checklists. The person who conducts the test will also inquire about your family background and medical and social history, in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also employ standard ADHD scales of rating and ask your teachers or caregivers to rate you.

When assessing adults with ADHD the healthcare professional will look for five or [Redirect-302] more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and that are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also check whether the symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. For example, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your work and social background to rule out issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug abuse.

During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional if you don't fit the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you can request another assessment if you are not satisfied with their conclusion.

If you are diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss the diagnosis with their GP. The GP can then refer the patient back for shared management through the NHS. This is the way that some adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD receive medications. However, GPs are recognized as being reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication because they aren't experts in the disorder and because it's costly.

What happens when I don't agree with my diagnosis?

Remember that your clinician must be tolerant and respectful to your feelings and concerns. They'll be aware that untreated ADHD symptoms can cause significant problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn't agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more appropriate for you.

If your clinician decides you don't meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It may be due to your inability to provide enough details about your struggles or they believe that another condition is responsible for your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the diagnosis you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor or follow the NHS complaints procedure.

Whether you go private or take advantage of NHS services the wait time for an assessment could be long and it's worth considering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and this is not the fault of the individuals involved.

GPs also struggle to navigate the complex diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence generally). They must be sure they offer a high-quality service that is safe and fair, and meet the requirements of shared care prescribing set out by the GMC.

Panorama's exposé has revealed that private clinics use shortcut diagnostic methods, which can put patients in danger. This is a national tragedy and a real reason to look at alternatives.

It is important to remember that the stigma of being diagnosed with adhd diagnosis uk private (supplemental resources) can make it harder for some people to receive an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other health or social issues which can affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.

We can assist you if feel your life is negatively affected by unmanaged ADHD symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying ADHD and can offer support and treatment to address your difficulties. You can schedule an appointment on our website or give us a phone to discuss how we might be able to assist.

What is the consequence if I don't want to take medication?

You can be diagnosed if you're concerned about ADHD symptoms but don't want to take medication. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one of the specialist centers in England or follow the "Right to Choose" method, which is quicker.

Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a medical interview, and certain validated assessments. This will enable your doctor to determine how you are affected by these symptoms and what impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will consider your past experiences and your family history. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful answers.

If the physician determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, they will be capable of providing you with a diagnosis. You will be asked if would like to discuss the possibility of taking medication. Before deciding it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medication. This is because the effects of medications can last for a long time and be harmful if taken properly.

The psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and a plan if you decide to take medication. You could be given ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms for. It is essential to remember that there are other non-pharmacological ways to manage ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.

The BBC Panorama 'expose' of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has caused a lot of controversy, particularly because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed because of insufficient assessment of their clinical needs. We hesitate to say this isn't the case because we aren't exact creatures, and psychiatry hardly is a science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it might make sense to pay for an assessment.